Preventing Colds with Zinc Supplements

Cold weather is coming and so is the common cold. As people start looking for supplements to build up the immune system and prevent colds during the winter months, a new study shows that zinc supplements may be the best way to prevent the common cold.

A recent report shows that taking zinc supplements were found to be beneficial at preventing colds. Additionally, the study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, emphasizes that hand washing was also effective at preventing the illness spreading, the authors concluded. “The best evidence for the prevention of the common cold supports hand-washing and possibly the use of zinc supplements,” said Dr. Michael Allan, of the Department of Family Medicine, at the University of Alberta.

At least two trials indicated that children who took 10 or 15mg of zinc sulphate daily had lower rates of colds and fewer absences from school due to colds. Although the studies carried out on children the researchers concluded that there is no reason zinc could work only in children and not adults.

The common cold affects adults approximately 2-3 times a year and children under age 2 approximately 6 times a year. Symptoms such as sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, cough and malaise are usually worse in days 1-3 and can last 7-10 days, sometimes as long as 3 weeks. Only about one in 20 colds are caused by bacteria, with the majority caused by a virus which cannot be treated with anti-biotics.

“It is also important to note that these products are not designed for curing or preventing the spread of disease. Daily vitamin supplements provide important nutritional insurance for millions of users looking to safeguard their nutritional intake alongside a healthy diet.”